PCYC NSW’s Nations of Origin program will bring together almost 900 young people from across the State this month, with Port Macquarie participants preparing to represent their community in a program that combines sport with cultural education.
The annual event returns for its 12th year from 13 July to 16 July, with 896 young people aged 14 to 16 representing 21 First Nations.
Rugby league, basketball, netball and gymnastics competitions will be held at PCYC Hawkesbury and Whalan Reserve.
Held following NAIDOC Week, the program aligns with this year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, highlighting the strength of First Nations communities while building cultural pride through sport.
PCYC Port Macquarie Club Manager Zac Campbell said 46 young people from the club would travel to Sydney to compete across six teams.
“I am beyond proud to be able to take 46 young people to Sydney to compete in the annual Nations of Origin tournament in Sydney,” Mr Campbell said.
“We have two male 3v3 basketball teams, two rugby league teams (male and female), one mixed netball team, and one female gymnastics squad.
“The young people have been training the past couple months and are now ready to head to the tournament to showcase their skills and learn more about culture, reconciliation, and respect.”
Nations of Origin is more than a sporting competition, with participants taking part in a 12-month program before the tournament.
For many young people from regional communities such as Port Macquarie, the event also provides an opportunity to travel to Sydney and compete at a major sporting carnival that may otherwise be out of reach.
Player Jax Gillard, one of the competitors, said the tournament was also about bringing communities together.
“I am not Aboriginal myself, but I am proud to represent Birpai Nation and come together for reconciliation,” Jax said.
Throughout the year, young people work alongside PCYC staff, volunteers and local Elders, participating in cultural activities including Aboriginal art, traditional dance and bush tucker workshops while developing leadership and teamwork skills.
The program also encourages positive engagement outside sport.
To be eligible, every team must include a 70-30 balance of First Nations and non-First Nations participants.
Players must also maintain more than 80 per cent school attendance and have no negative interactions with NSW Police.
Organisers say these expectations have helped many participants improve their school attendance and educational outcomes as they work towards earning selection for the tournament.
The Nations of Origin program continues to use sport as a pathway to promote education, cultural identity and positive community engagement for young people across New South Wales.
By Sis HIGGINS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
